USDe Surpasses $10B TVL in 500 Days Amid New U.S. Stablecoin Regulations

The U.S. stablecoin landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation, with Ethena Labs’ USDe emerging as the fastest stablecoin to reach a $10 billion Total Value Locked (TVL) in just 500 days [1]. This rapid growth has been catalyzed by the passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, which imposed strict regulatory requirements on stablecoin issuers, including the mandate for 1:1 reserves and heavy federal oversight [2]. Crucially, the act also prohibited regulated stablecoins from offering interest to their holders, a restriction that forced investors to seek yield elsewhere [1].

Traditional stablecoins, which had previously relied on interest-bearing mechanisms to attract liquidity, suddenly found themselves at a disadvantage. In contrast, USDe, operating within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, retained its ability to generate competitive returns through its vault strategies. This structural advantage allowed USDe to capture a significant share of the displaced capital, with industry observers noting a "redirection of big money" into the project [2]. Notably, USDe’s growth coincided with a sharp rise in the value of its governance token, ENA, which has more than doubled in the past month [1].

The GENIUS Act, while intended to enhance stability and regulatory clarity in the stablecoin sector, has had an unexpected side effect: it has accelerated the adoption of DeFi-based stablecoins that operate under different economic models. USDe’s success demonstrates that regulatory changes can create new opportunities in the market, rather than simply constraining innovation. The stablecoin’s third-place ranking in the industry underscores the shifting investor preference toward yield-generating alternatives in a regulatory environment that increasingly limits traditional stablecoin mechanisms [2].

Looking ahead, the long-term sustainability of USDe will depend on its ability to maintain its peg to the U.S. dollar while navigating the volatility of its underlying ENA token. However, its rapid ascent already signals a broader trend: investors are adapting to tighter regulations by embracing decentralized models that offer flexibility and returns. As the stablecoin market continues to evolve, projects that align with regulatory expectations while delivering utility are likely to see continued growth [3].

Source:

[1] USDe Becomes Fastest Stablecoin to Hit $10B TVL, Fueled by New U.S. Law

https://coindoo.com/usde-becomes-fastest-stablecoin-to-hit-10b-tvl-fueled-by-new-u-s-law/

[2] Ethena Labs' USDe overtakes rivals as fastest-growing

https://cryptoslate.com/ethena-labs-usde-overtakes-rivals-as-fastest-growing-stablecoin-reaching-10b-in-tvl-in-just-500-days/

[3] Crypto News Aggregator: Blockchain & Web3

https://www.todayonchain.com/news/